17 March,2011 04:04 PM IST | | Agencies
An exhibition in Australia showcased a technology that could be used in future hotel rooms, and it includes zero-gravity beds, self-darkening glass, and doors that are unlocked by mobile phones.
The technology was showcased at the Hotel Hospitality and Design expo in Sydney, the Herald Sun reported. The ''Hotel Room of the Future'' exhibit, designed by John Beazely and Co aims to cater to the every whim of today's travelers who demand the latest in technology.
Guests will be able to check-in and manage their in-room dining via their mobile phone with the MyStayManager smartphone technology. To access the room you call a number and then hold up your mobile phone to the top of the door handle to unlock it.
MyStayManager's Gidon Sattinger said the mobile technology has just been launched and is currently being tried by two major Australian hotel chains. Once inside the room, guests can play videos, music and explore their location from a coffee table with a large touch screen on top.
Known as the NSquared device, three new applications have just been launched which allow you to order room service or build an itinerary for your stay, and send it to the front desk to action. The hotel's Suite Control device allows you to customize the room to suit your mood.
The iGlass window can switch from clear to white at the touch of a button, providing increased privacy. Based on liquid crystal polymer technology, it switches over within 20 milliseconds to hide you from the outside world.
In a similar style to Japan, toilets will be automated, sensing when you come within 1.8m and opening the lid for you. Once you've finished and walk away, it flushes the toilet automatically and the lid closes.
"Self-cleaning" tiles on the bathroom floor will have an anti-bacterial layer that also claims to break down pollutants. The "Bartech" fridge automatically registers when you take a drink and charges it to your account. If you change your mind, there's a time limit to put it back and not be charged.
When it comes to sleeping, the AH Beard creation with an ergo motion base claims to let guests experience "zero gravity" and comes with three massaging settings. The beds are currently available in stores for around 10,000 dollars, but the company predicts that they will be coming to more four or five-star Australian hotels soon.
Those looking to get physical can take advantage of a kinesis gym that is fitted to the wall and folds out, offering "200 exercises in one square metre". The room also has a large screen television that controls many of the room's functions, as well as an iPad device that can be used as a remote control for the television.
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